Two New Songs Released: 'As I Am' and 'Dear Chicago'

First up, As I Am, is easily one of the strongest songs I've written. I also love to play it. It has a country-rock vibe, and really plays on harmonies, building towards a pretty powerful climax in the bridge. As usual, the lyrics are intensely personal but will probably only really make sense to me (the way I like it!)...

As I Am

Would love to hear your comments.

Now, picking songs to cover is usually a fairly obvious process. I do, however, like to go against the grain. So when I was strumming around to a variety of songs by my favourite artist, Ryan Adams, Dear Chicago was arguably the least obvious choice and yet rapidly became a firm favourite. The song is incessently performed by Ryan at his live shows but commercially, was 'lost' on his 'lost' (and entirely underrated) album, Demolition.

For me, nothing could quite beat the darkness of the lyrics, which pair musings of suicide and loneliness with the vocal realization of having fallen out of love with someone that at one point, was your entire existence. I can't help it - I'm just a sucker for shit like that.

Dear Chicago

It also seems fitting to share these new recordings with you following a rather hectic week, the highlight of which was an amazing message from another one of my idols, Loni Rose, whose breathtaking music has filled my head for years and who has just released a new EP, Shine.

These ones are for Loni!

Enjoy and let me know what you think...

'Going To A Town' by Rufus Wainwright

Powerful, passionate and political. The lead single from Rufus Wainwright's new album, Release The Stars, is a resounding success. Vocalizing his resentment for contemporary American politics and social prejudice, Wainwright questions his desire to ever return to his homeland. "I'm so tired of you America". His anger and despair are best presented in his incredulous wondering how anyone can think that love will send people into eternal damnation whilst those that choose to condemn them for their lifestyles in the name of religion are hardly free from sin.

Undoubtedly the standout track of the album with a brilliant video to support it.

"Tell me do you really think you go to hell for having loved?"

Review: Hanson, 'The Walk'

30th April 2007
3CG Records

Hanson's most musically diverse album to date mixes Gospel, power pop, funk and rock with elements of African roots music.

Song after song exemplifies the band's undeniable ability to write powerful driving melodies with killer hooks and soul-shattering lyrics.

Vocal afficionado Taylor is on form throughout, embellishing tracks with gritty runs and soulful ad libs. Two of the album's strongest tracks are lead by him: 'Been There Before' is a sonorous, spiritual pop song which pairs grinding lyrics with undeniable hooks; 'Georgia' immediately captures the heart with its nostalgic reverence of an enduring love that leaves one breathless with dispair and exhileration; "Georgia, I'll be chasing you the rest of my life". The latter is no doubt partly inspired by Mrs Taylor Hanson (a Georgia native) and its passionate sentiment is driven by soulful runs and a relentless beat.

Lead single 'Great Divide', the gospel-infused rock opener featuring backing vocals from an African children's choir, demonstrates the boys' humanitarianism. Released digitally in November 2006, all proceeds go to Soweto's HIV Research Unit, reflecting how deeply the band were affected by the AIDS epidemic they encountered on their visit to South Africa whilst making this record.

These influences are palpable throughout The Walk, notably on the exhuberant 'Fire On The Mountain', another Gospel/Soul-inspired beauty.

Zac takes the lead on more songs than usual this time around. 'Running Man' is a funky Todd Rundgren/Beach Boys-style tune with an incessently catchy chorus. He also leads on 'Go', a perfect example of the band's strong song writing and savvy production. Lyrically, the song shows real maturity; no doubt a reflection of the fact each sibling is now married and (as of last time I checked) only Zac is yet to become a father. Overall, Zac's distinctive voice adds a different flavour to the album, perfectly mirroring its musical complexity.

For a closer look into the making of The Walk, an excellent podcast series is available free through iTunes, as is the band's award-winning documentary 'Strong Enough To Break'; an insightful view of the band's struggle to make previous release Underneath (2004) and their decision to abandon the corporate fools at Def Jam records and form their own label, 3CG Records. Underneath, repeatedly shelved by Def Jam execs, became the most successful independent release of all time when the band put it out on their own label in 2004.

Hanson have always proved themselves with the sheer strength of their songwriting and performance skills but one really has to bow down to the musical diversity presented on The Walk. Whilst I will always prefer the more alt.country direction taken on previous records, The Walk is an undeniably strong album, packed with passion and a tangible demonstration of the band's vision to constantly grow and push themselves to keep everybody guessing.

'Great Divide'


Great live acoustic version of Georgia, at HMV Glasgow: